Platform Four drew a restless crowd, the atmosphere thick with excitement. Standing at its center was Duō Wěi, his presence nearly overwhelming. At thirteen, Wěi's beauty was almost otherworldly—a rare blend of strength and refinement. His raven-black hair cascaded down in a smooth, high ponytail that accentuated his sharp, graceful jawline. His sapphire-blue eyes, cold and striking, sparkled with an almost eerie intensity. His skin, smooth and flawless, caught the sunlight, making him appear both fierce and ethereal. His armor, fitted close against his frame, sculpted to his powerful build, highlighted every chiseled line of his physique, his aura intimidating yet alluring.
"Just look at him...Wěi-jīe's like something from a dream!" one girl whispered breathlessly to her friend, who nodded, her cheeks flushed with admiration.
"He's not just good-looking—he's perfect!" another added, practically swooning.
In the distance, a few boys exchanged murmurs, impressed with Wěi's skill. Though their words lacked the fervor of the girls' admiration, there was a definite tone of respect in the way they discussed his prowess.
Across from Wěi, his opponent, Lin, adjusted his grip on his spear, his eyes brimming with determination. At fourteen, Lin stood slightly taller than Wěi, his sandy-brown hair brushing against his forehead as he grinned. He was friendly and well-liked among his peers, and his easygoing nature shone through even now as he looked at Wěi with genuine excitement. His average looks held a quiet charm, his enthusiasm making him endearing.
"I've been wanting this match for ages, Wěi!" Lin called out, his voice tinged with eagerness. "A real chance to test myself against the best!"
Wěi merely inclined his head, his lips curving into the slightest of smiles. He raised his sword, Moonwhisper, which shimmered with a faint silver glow under the sun. The weight of his stare was enough to silence the crowd as they held their breath, waiting.
"Ready?" Lin asked, bouncing lightly on his toes.
Wěi gave a curt nod. "Let's see if you can keep up."
The judge's signal echoed across the grounds, and the duel erupted in a whirlwind of movement. Lin launched forward, his spear arcing in a fierce sweep as it aimed for Wěi's shoulder. Wěi parried with precision, Moonwhisper's edge meeting the spear in a clash of steel. Clang! Sparks flew from the impact, and both fighters surged forward, their weapons crackling with energy as they infused them with Qi.
Lin twisted his spear, drawing it back only to thrust forward in a series of rapid, targeted jabs, each attack infused with a surge of Qi that caused the air around the weapon to shimmer. Wěi's eyes narrowed, tracking each movement with eerie calm. In one smooth motion, he sidestepped the strikes, then bent low, sweeping Moonwhisper in a powerful arc aimed at Lin's feet.
Thud! Lin leaped back just in time, spinning his spear to deflect the blade, but the force of Wěi's strike left a deep crack in the stone platform beneath them. The crowd gasped as the ground trembled, debris scattering around them. The intensity was unmistakable.
"Hold your ground, Lin!" someone from the crowd called, and a small group joined in, shouting encouragement.
"Stay sharp! You can do this!"
With a grin, Lin tightened his grip, raising his spear and charging once more. His Qi-infused weapon crackled with energy as he spun it in a complex maneuver, the spearhead whirling like a deadly fan as he aimed high, then low, trying to keep Wěi on the defensive. But Wěi, cool as ever, met each strike with the precision of a master. He twisted, deflecting a thrust aimed at his chest, then pivoted into a counterattack, Moonwhisper flashing downward in a powerful strike.
Lin barely managed to block, but the impact shook his arms, forcing him back. He gasped, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, yet his smile remained. "You're as good as they say," he panted. "But I'm not backing down!"
Wěi's eyes flashed with a hint of respect, but he said nothing. Instead, he surged forward, his movements quick and fluid. He spun Moonwhisper in a dizzying arc, the blade singing through the air, a trail of Qi-infused energy following in its wake. Lin tried to dodge, twisting to the side, but Wěi was relentless, pressing his advantage.
The platform shuddered again as their weapons met, cracks spider-webbing across the stone as the power of their Qi-infused strikes left visible scars. Lin grit his teeth, lunging forward to aim a high blow at Wěi's head. But Wěi ducked, slipping under the spear, and in an almost invisible move, brought Moonwhisper up, knocking the spear aside before swinging for Lin's chest.
Smash! Lin blocked with his armguard, but the force pushed him back, his heels skidding across the stone. For a moment, he stumbled, but he quickly recovered, adjusting his stance and holding his spear defensively.
The spectators roared, some for Wěi's dominance, others rooting for Lin's determination.
"Hang in there, Lin! You've got this!" a voice rang out, rallying cheers from those who hoped for an upset.
Lin took a deep breath, his eyes fierce. With a yell, he channeled all his remaining Qi into his spear, charging at Wěi with a final, desperate push. His spear blurred, the tip glowing bright as he drove it forward in a precise strike aimed at Wěi's chest.
Wěi moved like lightning, sidestepping the thrust. With a quick, powerful pivot, he brought Moonwhisper down in a fierce counter, the blade crackling with energy as it met Lin's spear in one final clash. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the platform, a web of cracks spreading outward as Lin's spear flew from his grasp, clattering across the stone.
The crowd stilled, breathless. Lin dropped to one knee, panting heavily, his shoulders slumped in exhaustion. Wěi stood above him, his expression calm as he sheathed Moonwhisper with a fluid motion, his victory unquestionable.
The judge's voice rang out, "Victory to Duō Wěi!"
The crowd exploded in applause and cheers. Girls shrieked his name, some even in tears, while others exchanged knowing glances.
"Wěi-jīe's beauty is only matched by his skill!"
"He's unstoppable! Truly incredible!"
Wěi turned from the platform, barely acknowledging the cheers as he glanced over the crowd, his eyes settling on Duō Yī. A smirk touched his lips, a brief but unmistakable message of confidence. Then, without another glance, he strode off the platform, his every step radiating ease.
Watching, Duō Yī's stomach twisted. His mind raced as he muttered to himself, "I hope I don't face him next round... His skill, his confidence... he reminds me of Jiàn Shèng." A shiver ran down his spine, and he raised a hand to his neck.
"What a terrifying kid."